Compact Image Forming Apparatus Feeding Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with manual sheet inlets and waste toner containers require spatially efficient feeding paths to maintain a compact size, as existing configurations often separate the manual sheet inlet and waste toner container openings, leading to inefficient use of space and handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a chassis with a first opening for the manual sheet inlet on the same side as the waste toner container opening, featuring a second feeding path between the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner container, which merges with the first feeding path near the first feed roller, allowing for efficient sheet conveyance and waste toner collection, and includes a movable waste toner container with a groove for the feed roller to slide, enabling convenient installation and removal without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the manual sheet inlet opening is formed on the same side as the waste toner container opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional feeding paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manual sheet inlet opening and waste toner container opening on the same side of the chassis, allowing users to access both components from a single location. This merging of access points improves operational convenience while the feeding path is designed to efficiently merge with the main conveyance path, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension between the intermediate transfer belt and waste toner container to form the second feeding path. By arranging the feeding path in the clearance space rather than adding external structures, the patent achieves efficient sheet conveyance without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the second feeding path is arranged in clearance between the intermediate transfer belt and waste toner container, then the volume of the apparatus is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to potential sheet jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the waste toner container movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be removed through the opening for maintenance and toner replacement. This dynamic design enables the feeding path to be accessed and cleared of jams by removing the container, thereby maintaining reliability while utilizing the compact clearance space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a groove structure on the waste toner container that serves as an intermediary guide for the feed roller. This groove ensures proper alignment and smooth passage of sheets through the tight clearance, preventing jams while maintaining the compact design.
3Ease of operation
If the waste toner container is made movable and removable through the opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the movable connection structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waste toner container from the main chassis, making it a separate removable component. This segmentation allows the container to be independently removed for toner replacement without disassembling the entire apparatus, improving ease of operation while the connector and groove structures provide simple, standardized interfaces that minimize complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt arranged to have a surface thereof facing the photosensitive members, primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, a connector, a first feeding path extending in a range between the first feed roller and the secondary-transfer roller, and a second feeding path being formed in clearance between the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner container to convey a recording sheet being inserted through a sheet inlet and merging into the first feeding path in the vicinity of the first feed roller.